Employment Specialist I

Come join our team with a purpose and see what makes NW Works such a special place to feel connected, grow, and make a difference!

NW Works is a nonprofit organization based in Winchester, VA, and has served communities in the Shenandoah Valley region since 1970. Our Mission is to empower adults with disabilities and individuals facing employment barriers to help them develop essential skills to secure and sustain meaningful work and lead more independent lives.

We envision a society where every person is consistently treated with dignity and provided equal opportunities. Our dedication to this Vision is reflected in our continual efforts to inform, educate, and serve as a trusted, valued resource for those whom we support and our community partners.

Job Summary

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing work readiness skills across a variety of times and settings for the support of employment for individuals with disabilities. The ES works one-on-one as a job support coach in a variety of settings and work environments. The ES works to provide individualized opportunities in a chosen field through community partnerships. The ES will coach, train and provide a choice of employment opportunities to individuals served while evaluating performance to prepare for independence.

Essential Functions

In conjunction with the Case Coordinators(s), the Employment Specialist assists with coordinating and implementing employment activities for program recipients in competitive and integrated community-based settings.

• Provides oversight, training, programming and support with program participants as needed to include transportation, advocacy, skill building and general activities.
• Monitors and documents productivity, engagement, and support needed to address goals outlined in the individual’s specific person-centered plan.
• Ensures that all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and provided with ample opportunities to meet their individualized goals.
  
  

Developmental Skills

• Participates in ongoing training, webinars, and meetings assigned to ensure professional growth and adherence to changing regulatory standards as applicable to service lines in their specified area.
• Remains informed of local community opportunities and supports to enhance individuals served within their community through services or referral.
• Participates in regulatory review teams to ensure licensing and accreditation standards are met.
  
  

Service Delivery

• Promotes self-advocacy and provides ongoing direct supervision of all individuals in the program, including their concerns and needs which will be handled in a timely, orderly, caring and safe manner with an emphasis on quality. Management will be made aware of problems and issues in a timely manner.
• Develops task-analysis for employment sites, performs job development activities such as resume building and mock interviewing, and promotes an Employment First atmosphere.
• Participates in relevant and required training as assigned to meet licensing and accreditation mandates.
• Observes individuals for changes in behavior and health to ensure therapeutic care is provided and the treatment team is notified.
• Responsible for being knowledgeable and familiar with basic instructional techniques, special accommodations such as rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology as well as individualized procedures in order to maximize an individual's success.
  
  

Reporting

• Assists with Person Centered Planning, Employment plans, Employer Feedback Rating Forms, Report and Billing Forms, and Quarterly and Annual Planning.
• Maintains accurate time records and related daily documentation for individuals served
• Ensures that all-time records are signed and submitted per NW Works’ documentation procedure.
• Ensures that client documentation aligns with regulatory guidelines and is completed following NW Works documentation procedure timeline.
• Documents and reports incidents and observations pertaining to behavioral or health changes of individuals to supervisor in appropriate time-frames.
• Tracks and reports data supporting Individual skill building that pertain to outcomes and objectives in a person-centered plan.
• Acts as a professional representative of NW Works in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong organizational skills.
• Thorough documentation skills
• Effectively communicates with people in potentially stressful situations.
• Strong quantitative skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Meets all of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Direct Support Professional Competencies as observed and documented by the Lead Direct Support Professional.
• Knowledge of Medicaid Waiver Services, Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act, and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Effective use of Microsoft Office tools
• Ability to navigate mobile applications
• Effective and timely documentation entry (case notes)
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, phones, and photocopiers.
  
  

Requirements

Minimum Education, Certifications, and Experience:Licenses and Certifications:

• Education: Associate’s degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred, and a minimum of two years of relevant vocational training work experience.
• Experience:
• A minimum of two years' experience in the human services field, with a focus on Employment specialist training or job coaching.Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities in community-based settings.
• A valid driver’s license with verification of a clean driving record.